Ancient statue discovered

Ancient statue discovered

YOGYAKARTA: A team of archeologists renovating the Kadulan
temple east of Yogyakarta has discovered a stone statue of the
Hindu god Siva, which is believed to be from the fifth century.

Team leader Tri Hatmadji said the statue, which stands two
meters high and weighs 2.3 tons, might have been buried by lava
following the eruption of Mount Merapi in the year 1006.

The statue was found on Friday in the compound of the temple
and excavated the next day.

Hatmadji said the statue was sculptured to worship Mahaguru
Agastya, a personification of Siva. There are two smaller statues
on either side of the god, each depicting students who are
receiving a lesson.

The statue was taken to the Archeological Conservation Office
in the provincial capital to prevent theft.

The Kadulan temple is situated in the Kalasan district, just
three kilometers from the renowned Prambanan temple. -- Antara